Boston Celtics Roundup: Anthony Davis trade still on, Al Horford could leave and more

When LeBron James headed to the Western Conference last summer, the Boston Celtics appeared well placed to become the new dominant force in the Eastern Conference. Not only did the Celtics have one of the NBA's best players in Kyrie Irving, but the young core of Terry Rozier, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown had guided the team within a game of the 2018 NBA Finals.

However, Boston disappointed throughout the regular season, and despite sweeping the Pacers in round one of the playoffs, they were crushed in the East semis by Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. The Celtics' early exit from the playoffs is likely to have big ramifications this summer, and here are all the latest offseason rumors.

A trade for Anthony Davis remains possible

Due to the uncertainty over Kyrie Irving's future, some have suggested that the Celtics will hold off making a move for Anthony Davis. However, Adam Himmelsbach is reporting that the Celtics remain keen on the 26-year-old All-Star, although a deal would need to be agreed ahead of the upcoming NBA draft:

The issue for the Celtics is that any trade for Davis will likely include several picks in this year’s draft. So a handshake deal will have to be agreed upon prior to the June 20 draft so the Celtics know which players they will have to select for the Pelicans.

Boston’s hope, then, would be to have some clarity with Irving’s situation by then, as well as some sense from Davis’s camp about the possibility of him re-signing with the Celtics after he becomes a free agent next summer.

Davis has spent his entire career with the Pelicans, although he requested a trade ahead of the February trade deadline.

Al Horford's future with the team is in doubt

Al Horford has played some of the best basketball of his career with the Celtics

Al Horford is entering the latter stages of his career, although he remains one of the Celtics' most consistent performers. During the 18/19 season, Horford started 68 times, averaging 13.6 points, and 6.7 rebounds per game, and despite having a player option for next season, Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe believes that Horford may walk away.

Al Horford has until June 18 to opt into the final year of his deal, which would pay him $30.1 million next season. He turns 33 in a few weeks but remains probably one of the 30 best players in the NBA. He is unlikely to receive a deal that will pay more than $30 million next season, but he could prefer to opt out and sign a longer-term contract at a lower average salary for more long-term security.

Terry Rozier is interesting the Chicago Bulls

Terry Rozier seems destined for an exit this summer

Over the past 12 months, Terry Rozier has continually expressed his frustration at his situation in Boston, although his scathing appearance on ESPN last week is likely to have left the Celtics unhappy.

As an upcoming free agent, Rozier's future increasingly appears to be away from Boston, and The Athletic's Daniel Mayberry is reporting that the Chicago Bulls are interested in the point guard:

Boston guard Terry Rozier is on the Bulls’ radar, commanding Chicago’s attention with fearless play and hard-nosed defensive effort.

Inside the Advocate Center, there is genuine belief that Rozier could be exactly who the team needs. Chicago could make a run at the restricted free agent this summer, but it’s unclear who holds the edge between Rozier and Beverley on the organization’s wish list. Rozier is six years younger, making him a more ideal fit with the current building blocks.

During the 18/19 season, Rozier averaged 9.0 points on 39% shooting, including 35% from three-point range.

Edited by Kingshuk Kusari